For first time, a majority of Serbs are against joining the EU - poll

For the primary time in 20 years, the variety of Serbians who're towards becoming a member of the European Union is greater than those that wish to turn out to be a member, based on a brand new survey.

The ballot, which was performed by Ipsos and first printed in Blic newspaper, revealed that 44% of individuals are towards membership whereas 35% are in favour.

Ipsos' Marko Uljarevic informed Blic that it was the primary time the variety of these against EU membership outstripped these in favour.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić mentioned the findings are just like the temper within the ruling Serbian Progressive Celebration.

“I imagine that Serbia has a spot within the European Union, I imagine that we should always proceed our European path and that we should always combat for our dignified path to Europe," he added. "We should always preserve our independence in decision-making, a minimum of till we turn out to be a member of the EU.”

Serbia submitted its software for EU membership in 2009. Accession talks began in 2014 however lingering tensions between Serbia and Kosovo have held up the method.

Although it's looking for to hitch the bloc, Belgrade additionally appears to Moscow.

It voted in favour of three United Nations resolutions condemning Russian aggression towards Ukraine however has not joined worldwide sanctions towards Moscow.

Serbian political scientist Nemanja Todorović Štiplija, editor-in-chief on the internet portal European Western Balkans, is sceptical concerning the survey.

"My opinion is that this analysis, simply as it's with this narrative, was positioned, to analyze the results of the potential determination of the Serbian authorities to impose sanctions on Russia and settle for all restrictive measures imposed by the EU on Russia," he mentioned.

It comes as Serbia's inside minister Aleksandar Vulin mentioned the nation ought to rethink its proclaimed aim of becoming a member of the European Union due to alleged Western strain to hitch worldwide sanctions towards Russia over the struggle in Ukraine.

"They're measuring our love for Europe by our hatred towards Russia," Vulin informed public broadcaster RTS. "For those who love Europe, you must hate Russia.

"Properly, I do not wish to hate Russia, I do not wish to hate anybody. I've the best to not lose a single buddy, I do not take part in your conflicts."